Dr. John H. Isaacs: 1922 - 2007

Doctor was a 'pioneer' in cancer care for women

One of the first board-certified gynecologic oncologists in U.S. put patients' needs first

July 31, 2007|By Kristen Kridel, Tribune staff reporter

When Dr. John H. Isaacs entered the field of gynecologic oncology, women with cancer had to see at least six different doctors for treatment.

As one of the first board-certified gynecologic oncologists in the nation, Dr. Isaacs helped define the specialty and organize patient care under one doctor, said John Knaus, Dr. Isaac's former partner and student.

"He was a pioneer," Knaus said. "He helped formulate the standards."

Dr. Isaacs, 84, a father of five, died Sunday, July 29, in his Wilmette home from complications of prostate cancer, said his son, Stephen P. Isaacs.

Renowned in the Chicago area, Dr. Isaacs dedicated his life to his students and patients. He served as the chairman of the Department of Obstetrics/ Gynecology at Resurrection St. Francis Hospital in Evanston for about 40 years and later held the same position at Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine.

Dr. Isaacs worked as an attending physician at a number of Chicago hospitals, including Resurrection Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Cook County Hospital and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, his family said.

"To him, being a doctor was a lifestyle, not just a job," said Dr. Janice Johnson, director of obstetrics at St. Francis and one of Dr. Isaacs' former students.

He really cared about what was best for the patient, Johnson said. For example, Dr. Isaacs increased the use of vaginal hysterectomies, surgeries that are much easier on the patients than abdominal hysterectomies.

Dr. Isaacs demanded his students treat their patients with respect, Knaus said.

"He always taught us that every patient was an individual and take care of every patient like they were an individual," Knaus said. "He had a strong desire to provide the next generation of physicians with the highest of standards."

Director of residency while he was at St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Isaacs taught many students, Knaus said.

Those residents ended up forming the Dr. John Isaacs Society in his honor, Johnson said. The group, which includes professionals from across the country, meets for an educational conference every fall.

Similar to the demands Dr. Isaacs put on his students, he had high expectations for his children, Stephen Isaacs said. All five got their undergraduate degrees, and four of them went on to graduate school.

"The assumption was always you will get an education," Stephen Isaacs said. "It's not: 'Are you going to college?' It's: 'What college are you going to?'"

Although he worked a lot of hours, Dr. Isaacs was completely focused on his family whenever he was home, said his wife, Patricia.

At the dinner table, he led discussions on every topic from politics to movies, Stephen Isaacs said.

"He said, 'Whatever you do, you should be happy and proud of what you're doing,'" Stephen Isaacs said. "'The talents you have are talents that were given to you to make the world a better place.'"

In addition to his wife, Patricia, and son Stephen, Dr. Isaacs is survived by three other sons, John H. Jr., Andrew C. and James M.; a daughter, Ellen D. Clark; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity Catholic Church, 191 Linden St., Winnetka. The funeral mass will begin at the church at 5 p.m.